Sellwood Bridge advisors make preliminary decision

After two and a half years, the Sellwood Bridge Advisory Committee has come to a decision about the type and placement of a new bridge. After a long public comment period, dominated primarily by supporters of "Alternative D", the committee chose to move forward with that alignment option.

Sellwood residents in support of the decision said they though that alignment would be safer for pedestrians and would protect the flavor of the neighborhood. For example, Alternative D, which keeps the current bridge's alignment straight across the river with two lanes of traffic, would not affect the historic Oaks Pioneer Church or Riverfront Park.

The other option was Alternative E — a bigger, wider, costlier design. It would have loomed over the church, much to the chagrin of many residents. Still, before the project moves forward, Multnomah County, the city of Portland and Metro must all sign off on it. The project will then be sent to the Federal Highway Administration for final approval.